Many people are interested in green energy, but do not know where to begin. While there are alternative energy sources, like solar and wind, there are also green habits that can be started today. This article includes several tips on using green energy today.
Choose solar-powered lights when installing outdoor lighting in your yard. Not only are they a reasonable purchase price, but they do not require electricity to run. This doesn’t merely save energy. Also, it will no longer be necessary to install wired outdoor lights.
A simple way to save energy is to close the curtains. Another option is installing darkening shades. Doing these things will let you use less air conditioning in the summer. You will save energy, which will in turn save you substantial money.
Solar Panels
Install solar panels and reap the benefits easily. There are several things that should be considered prior to installing solar panels. A big consideration is how much sunlight does your home typically receive? If your house is usually in the shade, solar panels will provide limited additional power.
When battery chargers and other electronics are not in use, unplug them. Mp3, cell phone, laptop, and various other device chargers draw power when they’re plugged in, no matter if it’s charging or not.
Whenever possible, use cold water to wash your clothing. Nearly 90% of the energy that is consumed when you wash your clothes is taken up heating the water. Most good quality laundry detergents work just as well in cold water. In addition, remember that a washing machine will be most energy efficient when it is full.
When not at home, use window coverings. This keeps the interior of your home cooler or warmer, depending on the season, and reduces your energy bill. Usually, the windows facing the south get more sun because of where they are in the house. Try using coverings on all of the windows, such as dark curtains, roman shades, or some roller shades.
Keep your refrigerator in good condition. Refrigerators constantly use energy to maintain cooler temperatures. If it is not properly cared for, it will use much more energy than it needs to. Clean heating coils regularly to get rid of dust. Check the door seal for dirt, debris and leaks.
If you dress warmer, you will help cut energy costs, which helps you to go green. Lighter sweaters can add 2 more degrees of warmth, while heavy sweaters increase warmth by 4 degrees. It’s not necessary to wear so little at home, so out on a sweatshirt and save some cash!
Use a solar oven when baking. You can create a solar over using common household items, including aluminum foil and a clean box. Ovens like this can be assembled quickly, reach temperatures in excess of 300 degrees, and do not require any energy besides the sun.
A really good energy saving tip is to change your boiler. Boilers that are more than a few years old were not made to conserve energy, while many modern boilers are quite efficient. Newer boilers help by producing less carbon dioxide as well as cut down the cost of your energy bill.
An on-demand hot water heater is a good way to stay green. The old-fashioned water heaters run constantly, even running when not needed and that wastes energy. The on-demand water heater will heat water instantly and save you money on energy.
When buying wood, think about buying bamboo. Bamboo is technically grass but is just as strong as other woods. Bamboo grows quickly and it used for several products including flooring. This saves energy used in production and recycling.
Proper weatherization is a great way to make your home much more energy efficient, even if you are on a budget. If you seal ducts, install energy saving windows and add insulation, you will be able to cut down on the energy your home uses. In addition to the energy saved you will also receive a lower energy bill.
Save a substantial amount of money on your monthly bill by heating each room separately. Get a system that heats the house from underneath the floors. This will let you monitor each area of your home, and control the temperature in each room. If you live in a large home, this is a wonderful solution.
Ceiling fans are not just useful in the summer. Switch them to go clockwise and they will help push the warm air down, reducing demands on your heating fixture. It takes less energy to power the fan than it does your furnace.
Save money on heating and cooling costs with a digital programmable thermostat. These devices come with many different heating schemes programmed into them. Some settings are suitable for saving energy during the summer, while others are more suited to the winter months. They can also keep regular temperatures during the day and night.
Thawing frozen food in your fridge is another good energy saver. This way of thawing food is safer than leaving it out, and the cold air the food releases helps to cool the inside of your fridge, so it needs to run less often and consumes less energy.
You have likely read a lot of different articles that espouse a more green lifestyle. As energy costs have skyrocketed, you may want to learn how to save on your energy bills. If you educate yourself it is much easier to be greener. By utilizing the information located above, you can begin living an environmentally friendly life today.
